THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2023/2024

Timetable information in the Course Catalogue may be subject to change.

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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Edinburgh College of Art : Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Undergraduate Course: Technology and Environment 2A: Building Environment (ARCH08028)

Course Outline
SchoolEdinburgh College of Art CollegeCollege of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) AvailabilityNot available to visiting students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryBuilding on first year courses Technology and Environment: Principles and Architectural Design: Assembly, TE2A: Building Environment further develops students' understanding, analysis, and the integration of environmental design in architecture. The course will examine the roles of energy, light, heat, ventilation, and sound in building design. An emphasis is placed on design integration and applying theory to practice. The course will also introduce sustainable technologies, methods of environmental assessment, and building services strategies, and discuss their implications for design.



Course description This course focuses on passive environmental strategies, but introduces mechanical systems as a supplement. The course also examines the application of sustainable building practices, including qualitative and quantitative assessments of environmental performance. The course will cover a wide range of environmental design topics such as the following:
Macro- and micro-climates
Bioclimatic design principles
Solar geometry, daylighting, and artificial lighting
Passive heating and cooling strategies
Wellbeing, comfort, and other occupant needs
Thermal comfort and balances
Natural and mechanical ventilation systems
Building services, energy and water conservation
Acoustic fundamentals
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Students MUST have passed: Architectural Design: Elements (ARCH08001) AND Architectural Design: Assembly (ARCH08004)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Course Delivery Information
Academic year 2023/24, Not available to visiting students (SS1) Quota:  124
Course Start Semester 1
Timetable Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 30, Seminar/Tutorial Hours 22, External Visit Hours 3, Formative Assessment Hours 5, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 136 )
Assessment (Further Info) Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment) One (1) group-based project coursework to be submitted digitally (60%)

A series of short written entries to be completed individually and submitted digitally (15%)

A series of problem-based coursework to be completed individually and submitted digitally (25%)
Feedback Formative feedback on all coursework will be given verbally during weekly tutorials, during the teaching semester.

Summative feedback for the individual-based coursework will be available via LEARN within one week of submission.

Summative feedback for the group-based coursework will be given in a written format within two weeks of submission.
No Exam Information
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and science behind interior and exterior environmental principles, human needs, building performance standards, and precepts of sustainable design.
  2. Carry out simple calculations using scientific formulae to support environmental analysis of buildings with respect to energy, heat, ventilation, light, and sound; and to communicate the results via appropriate visual techniques and digital tools.
  3. Identify, test, and adapt the environmental strategy of a design project in response to the changing relationship between buildings, people, and the environment.
Reading List
Szokolay, S.V., 2014. Introduction to architectural science: the basis of sustainable design. London: Routledge.
Szokolay, S.V., 1996. Solar geometry. PLEA.
CIBSE. 2015. Guide A: Environmental Design. 8th Edition. London: Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE).
Hawkes, D. 2008. The Environmental Imagination. London: Taylor & Francis.
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills Ability to apply environmental principles to the design of buildings.
Ability to qualitatively and quantitatively assess environmental performance of buildings.
Ability to leverage a range of methods, medias, and techniques to clearly communicate results of environmental analyses
Additional Class Delivery Information 11 lectures and 11 group tutorials.
Keywordsenvironmental design,passive strategies,energy conservation,occupant comfort,building services
Contacts
Course organiserDr W. Victoria Lee
Tel: (0131 6)50 9450
Email: w.victoria.lee@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMr Brendan Sweeney
Tel: (0131 6)50 6329
Email: bsweeney@ed.ac.uk
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